After Storm, Ranchers Help Ranchers

Dear Editor:

As ranchers, we have read about and heard about the devastation the ranchers in South Dakota have endured. I am writing about two young ranchers that lost the majority of their cattle to the storm. They are nephews of my sister, Kathleen, in South Dakota. They are hard-working young men with families trying to build herds of their own. Frank and Toni and their three young cowboys lost 40 head of cattle with 17 of them being replacement heifer calves. Colter and Abby and their very young cowgirls lost 18 of their 19 pairs in the storm. Both young men have vowed not to let this dampen their dreams.

Their young families remind me of my daughters and their families trying to make a living in the ranching business. I know many of you may have already donated to one of the relief funds and that is wonderful. I am trying to put together some heifer calves, bred heifers of bred cows for someone we know. All cattle will be bill of saled directly to them.

For a start, my grandson has donated a bred heifer to the young families. If you would like to donate some livestock or know of someone who may, please let me know. I will handle transportation, health and brand inspections for the cattle. The plan is to gather the cattle after the first of the year, but I will take the cattle at anytime. I can be reached at 406-527-3397. Thank you. All donations are going directly to the families.

Lexie Haynes

Saco